Probably the best hike I've done in my life so far. Also one of the most difficult…read more You can technically do it without a guide but I highly recommend getting one. The trail is pretty well marked so I don't think you'd get lost but getting a guide also gives you access to the rope and harness to get up the rock scramble (or 'Carrasqueira' as the locals call it). Allegedly you can go on your own and just pay one of the guys to rent the harness but I think a guide is worth it. Place they'll take some epic photos for you! I hiked Pedra da Gavea in late February so it was in the peak of summer in Rio. Temperatures hovered around 90F and it was HUMID. The heat and humidity had me hitting my inhaler on the way up. It takes about 3 hours to go up and 2-2.5 hours to go down. The views at the top are breathtaking so you'll probably want to hang out at the top for an hour or so. Plan for it to be an all-day affair. Bring a lot of water. Bring a light lunch. Put on some sunscreen.

An epic adventure hike that is not for the faint of heart. It's a pretty long trip to the top,…read morewhich includes some dangerous sections. The risk can be mitigated by an experienced guide with some ropes/harnesses for safety (mostly for the brief rock climb) . Local hikers tend to throw caution to the wind, but you don't want to go tumbling down a cliff do you? Getting to the top is about a 3 hour endeavor almost entirely uphill, you hike out the same way though downhill is obviously faster (maybe 2 hrs). You'll definitely want a good amount of water, so either a camelback or 3-4 12 oz waters per person. The views are totally breathtaking, I don't think I've ever been up so high without being in an airplane. If you're feeling fit and want a real hiking challenge in Rio, this is the one for you!

Ambiance: 10 out of 10; Staff: 4 out of 5;…read more Price: $ out of $$$$. Gorgeous place, the views were amazing and the people were just as exceptional. We were literally in the clouds but they didn't prevent the spectacular view. The food and drink pricing were affordable as well.

Handsdown the best views of the city will be from here; YOU NEED TO COME HERE - and a little early…read more I came here early afternoon on a cloudy day and was so mesmerised by the views that i stayed here till after sunset. The views and the location could not be beat. You buy the ticket from the counter and then head on inside to take the cable car which takes you up first to Morro de Urca and then Pao de Azuca (Sugarloaf mountain). You literally can choose to spend however much time you want at either spot although i think most people stay at Urca longer because the view is clearer and its more spacious. The first stop lets you take in the beautiful city views and the second stop is literally in the skies so you will see the misty skies and take in the whole city from the top while admiring nature at its best. I also had the best chocolate churro here so that added to the sweetness of the spot. My favorite spot in Rio and i cant wait to go back one day.

Whenever we travel, we always try to find a good local hike to do. In Rio, Dois Irmaos is it! It is…read morequite difficult, but amazing! To get there, have a taxi/uber drive you to the Vidigal favela entrance on Avenue Niemeyer (about 10 mins from Copacabana). At the entrance, you will see a group of motorbikes. Ask one of them to drive you to the trailhead. It will cost you 5 BRL. The motorbike drops you off at a football field. Cross the field and you will see the trailhead. We had just hiked Machu Picchu before arriving to Rio, so our legs were already pretty beat. Maybe this hike is easier than it felt for us, but by the time we reached the peak, our leg muscles were feeling the burn. The first half of the hike is fairly easy. You'll be in the shade for the most part and it's an easy, steady climb. The second half gets harder, steeper, and you'll be in the blazing sun. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen. At the half way point there is a local guy selling water and frozen acai. It's a nice treat as it is HOT outside and the frozen acai tastes great! Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted with some of the best views in all of Rio. You can see Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and some surrounding favelas. We stayed at the top for about 20-30 minutes before heading back down. Descending is much easier, however, can be slippery due to a lot of loose sand. If you enjoy hiking, Dois Irmaos is a fantastic climb in Rio de Janeiro.

I booked a Jeep tour leaving from Rio to this park in the morning. A lot of locals come here to…read morepicnic, hike, and swim in the lagoons with waterfalls. The tour was really fun with great sights and you really feel like you're in the rainforest even though you're pretty close to Rio. Some highlights: -Mirante das Canoas - Great view at the top of the park above São Conrado beach -Cascatinha Taunay - large waterfall where you can swim in the lagoon below -Mayrink Chapel - a small, pink chapel that is in the middle of the rainforest I would definitely recommend the tour, it was really fun to ride in the Jeep and only requires half a day.

5 stars gives this place zero justice! Did a hiking tour via trip advisor. And it was my top 2…read moreexperience while in rio (with my number 1 experience being a helicopter ride over the city and by christ the redeemer). The waterfalls was so nice and scenic. Lush green everywhere! We hiked up to 2 caves. And got in the water by 2 of the falls. Had a fun little group. Was such an experience though!